Edit: Just discovered this is on the Air NZ website which clarifies the issue: "the ability to gift Recognition Upgrades or Elite Airpoints Dollar upgrades to other Airpoints members who are on your gifting register. When you gift an upgrade and are travelling with your giftee, the upgrade request will be considered at Elite tier status level for yourself and one travelling companion, as well as any accompanying children aged up to 12 years old. Any additional giftees either accompanied by you or travelling separately will have their upgrade request reviewed based on the giftees' own tier status."